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Hillman Minx Californian 1956 as found in a warehouse in South East London.It had been off the road for many years.But was all intact and the engine was not seized.
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After much work which involved fabricating new inner and outer sills,inner and outer rear arches,splash panel repairs etc.This was only due to bodged previous repairs ,the bodywork is in very good original condition. The original paint was under the arches,it had not been coated in bitumen etc.
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I have refitted brightwork etc,prior to topcoating,making sure everything fits perfectly.The engine and gearbox works fine,60 psi oil pressure,after a good grease up the steering and suspension was perfect.All lights and ancillaries worked on initial inspection.A new exhaust and other parts had been fitted prior to lay up.
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Glass,trim,brightwork etc is all present and intact and useable,where would you find a replacement rear screen
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The interior seats and trim was filthy,but after a lot of elbow grease cleaned up very well.All switches and dials work fine.
New carpets are all that is required.
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That lovely 1950`s dashboard. People love to sit in it and reminisce about when their parents had similar cars.
On Friday 13th August, (yesterday) I drove her to the MOT station and she passed without any problem.She drives really well,after getting used to a column gearchange (4 speed).
Now all that is required is to give her a nice topcoat of paint in her original colours.
It was supplied by J. Henry Roberts. Plas Garage Llangefni Anglesey in May 1956. 3 previous owners.
P.S. I would like to find better Hubcaps,Bumpers,Doorhandles and Grill if possible.Any help appreciated.
Gresham.

Hi great looking car, it looks better in primer than mine in top coat, just a couple of points the steering wheel is from a mk 3/4 minx ,the mark 8 should have a white wheel with just two solid "arms" and a chrome horn ring and the heater and the white knob on the side are also not standard

The Hillman club will tell you nothing unless you are a member,i found the person I spoke to very unhelpful.

I am a member of enough clubs as it is.

Any other contacts please.

Gresham

Totally agree. In the classic car world we are there to help each other, and you are far more likely to become a member if you are warmly received rather than being given the cold shoulder. Anyway, a lovely find and nice restoration. Many happy miles!

Similar styling to the Californian the Rapier....but more of these around than the former.
Work so far on the Rapier.....

Just fitted a new carpet set from Coverdale carpets.
Scrubbed and cleaned the interior.
Cut back and machine buffed the paintwork.
Fitted new number plates.
Removed and polished the door treadplates.
Mot for 12 months.
Serviced the car from top to bottom.
Etc Etc
Now she looks like a new pin.!!!

Drove it back to the South Coast from Birmingham last week - a lovely drive

Current task is fitting retractor seat belts and a high level brake light, then wire in the clock and revcounter currently not working after a polarity change by the previous owner. oh! and fit carpet in the boot to protect the original rubber mats

The wheels fitted are wire but I have the originals and will be refurbishing them to return the car to normal spec.

You will find it difficult,if not impossible to find a radiator grille. I do know somebody who got one from New Zealand but that was probably the last in captivity. The grilles all have poor chrome as the Canadian nickel miners went on a prolonged strike in 1955 and all Rootes chroming from that time was poor quality

The K.L heater was an aftermarket fitment at the time.
I also have one fitted in our Austin A30 from 1955.
I have seen them in many mid fifties cars...they needed to keep warm,even in those tough old days.

The Hillman club will tell you nothing unless you are a member,i found the person I spoke to very unhelpful.

I am a member of enough clubs as it is.

Any other contacts please.

Gresham

Totally agree. In the classic car world we are there to help each other, and you are far more likely to become a member if you are warmly received rather than being given the cold shoulder. Anyway, a lovely find and nice restoration. Many happy miles!

im in the hillman owners club and dont find them very helpfull to be honest .dont think ill be rejoining next year.